Work gloves

ABSTRACT

Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a glove, having a palm-side base material, a backhand-side base material attached to the palm-side base material, and at least one repositionable finger covering operable to selectively cover a finger. A respective repositionable finger covering of the at least one repositionable finger covering is positionable in a finger-covering configuration, in which a finger is not exposed from the glove, and is positionable in a finger-exposed configuration, in which the finger is exposed from the glove while the glove is on a user&#39;s hand. When in the finger-covering configuration, a portion of the respective repositionable finger covering is overlapped by the palm-side base material such that the portion of the respective repositionable finger covering is arrangable underneath the palm-side base material.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/458,443, filed Feb. 13, 2017, the contents of whichare expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 1. Field of the Disclosure

This disclosure relates to a glove, and more particularly to a workglove for production and live event tech professionals.

2. Description of the Related Art

Production and live event tech professionals have to perform variedtasks. Usually they have to use generic work gloves or gloves designedfor some other industry when working. Inevitably, in order to do theirwork they need to remove the gloves every few minutes for variousreasons leaving their hands susceptible to injury. Additionally, thegloves they are using may not be protective enough. Furthermore, withmany generic work gloves, any protection or reinforcement is not locatedor arranged in the correct, beneficial, or suitable locations or spotsof the hands (and wrists) for the type of tasks that are being performedin the production and live event industries.

Therefore, there is a need for an improved work glove for production andlive event tech professionals.

SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosure relates to a work glove designed for people working inall the various disciplines of production and live events, such as (butis not limited to) roadies, musicians, DJs, stage crews, theater techs,audio-visual techs, film grips, film gaffers, camera operators, lightingdesigners lighting riggers and techs, and all other live event andentertainment professionals. The gloves of the present disclosureaddress problems related to professionals using generic gloves in theseindustries.

Many industries have purposefully designed work gloves (e.g., gardeninggloves, mechanics gloves, carpenters' gloves, construction gloves, etc.)and inevitably people working in the live event and production tend touse a pair of these work gloves designed for a different line of work.Production professionals perform varied tasks that range from having tomove and lift very heavy equipment one moment, and then having tomanipulate tiny knobs, buttons and/or faders the next moment. This typeof work requires a work glove that allows for dexterity, versatility,comfort and breathability for extended use, flexibility, andfunctionality in a highly technology-enabled world. The gloves of thepresent disclosure are designed and structured so that the wearer canperform all necessary tasks, without ever having to take the gloves offwhile working.

Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a glove, comprising apalm-side base material, a backhand-side base material attached to thepalm-side base material, and at least one repositionable finger coveringoperable to selectively cover a finger. A respective repositionablefinger covering of the at least one repositionable finger covering ispositionable in a finger-covering configuration, in which a finger isnot exposed from the glove, and is positionable in a finger-exposedconfiguration, in which the finger is exposed from the glove while theglove is on a user's hand. When in the finger-covering configuration, aportion of the respective repositionable finger covering is overlappedby the palm-side base material such that the portion of the respectiverepositionable finger covering is arrangable underneath the palm-sidebase material.

In embodiments, the glove further comprises at least onenon-repositionable finger covering operable to cover a respectivefinger.

In additional embodiments, the at least one repositionable fingercovering comprises three repositionable finger coverings.

In some embodiments, the three repositionable finger coverings areconfigured for a thumb, an index (or pointing) finger, and a middlefinger.

In further embodiments, the at least one non-repositionable fingercovering comprises two non-repositionable finger coverings.

In embodiments, the at least one repositionable finger covering and theat least one non-repositionable finger covering comprise a conductivefabric.

In embodiments, the glove further comprises at least one protectivelayer arranged on the backhand-side base material.

In further embodiments, the at least one protective layer arranged onthe backhand-side base material comprises a backhand impact/abrasionprotection patch having a plurality of ribs that are structured andarranged to at least roughly correspond with underlying bones of auser's hand.

In some embodiments, the at least one protective layer arranged on thebackhand-side base material comprises at least one fingerimpact/abrasion protection patch arranged on a finger portion of theglove.

In embodiments, an amount of overlap of the palm-side, base materialover the respective repositionable finger covering is between about 2-5mm.

In further embodiments, the glove further comprises a plurality offinger side panels structured and arranged to cover side regions ofrespective fingers, wherein the plurality of finger side panels areconnected between the palm-side base material and the backhand-side basematerial.

In yet further embodiments, the glove further comprises at least onegripping patch arranged on the palm-side base material.

In further embodiments, the at least one gripping patch arranged on thepalm-side base material comprises two gripping patches.

In additional embodiments, the glove further comprises a paddingmaterial, wherein the padding material is arranged between the at leastone gripping patch and the palm-side base material, and is covered bythe at least one gripping patch.

In some embodiments, the glove further comprises a wrist cuff attachedto ends of the palm-side base material and the backhand-side basematerial, an expansion material connected to respective ends of thewrist cuff, and a wrist strap attached to the wrist cuff and operable tosecurely fasten the wrist cuff around a user's wrist.

In embodiments, when in the finger-exposed configuration, the respectiverepositionable finger covering is arranged between a backhand-side ofthe finger and an interior surface of the back-hand side material.

In further embodiments, when in the finger-exposed configuration, therespective repositionable finger covering is arranged to abut theback-hand side material.

In further embodiments, when in the finger-exposed configuration, atleast one of the respective repositionable finger covering, theback-hand side material, and a finger impact/abrasion protection patcharranged on a finger portion of the back-hand side material are operableto maintain the finger impact/abrasion protection patch positioned overthe respective finger so as to protect a backhand-side of the fingerwhile in the finger-exposed configuration.

In certain embodiments, the glove further comprises an illuminationsource arranged on a palm-side of the glove.

Additional aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a glove,comprising a palm-side base material, a backhand-side base materialattached to the palm-side base material, three repositionable fingercoverings operable to selectively cover three respective fingers, andtwo non-repositionable finger coverings operable to cover another two ofthe respective fingers. Each respective repositionable finger coveringis positionable in a finger-covering configuration, in which a finger isnot exposed from the glove, and is positionable in a finger-exposedconfiguration, in which the finger is exposed from the glove while theglove is on a user's hand. The three repositionable finger coverings andthe two non-repositionable finger covering comprise a conductive fabric.When in the finger-covering configuration, a portion of the respectiverepositionable finger covering is overlapped by the palm-side basematerial such that the portion of the respective repositionable fingercovering is arrangable underneath the palm-side base material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features which are characteristic of the disclosure, both asto structure and method of operation thereof, together with further aimsand advantages thereof, will be understood from the followingdescription, considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, inwhich embodiments of the disclosure are illustrated by way of example.It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for thepurpose of illustration and description only, and they are not intendedas a definition of the limits of the disclosure. For a more completeunderstanding of the disclosure, as well as other aims and furtherfeatures thereof, reference may be had to the following detaileddescription of the embodiments of the disclosure in conjunction with thefollowing exemplary and non-limiting drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a palm-side view of an exemplary glove in a finger-exposedconfiguration with a plurality of fingertips exposed in accordance withaspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a palm-side view of an exemplary glove in a finger-coveredconfiguration with no fingertips exposed in accordance with aspects ofthe disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a backhand-side view of an exemplary glove in accordance withaspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a side view of an exemplary glove with a plurality offingertips exposed in accordance with aspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a schematic sectional view of a finger portion of a glove witha fingertip covered in accordance with aspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a schematic sectional view of a finger portion of a glove witha fingertip exposed in accordance with aspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a schematic sectional view of a finger portion of a glove witha fingertip exposed and bent in accordance with aspects of thedisclosure; and

FIG. 8 is a palm-side view of an exemplary glove in a finger-coveredconfiguration with an attached illumination source in accordance withaspects of the disclosure.

Reference numbers refer to the same or equivalent parts of the presentdisclosure throughout the various figures of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

In the following description, the various embodiments of the presentdisclosure will be described with respect to the enclosed drawings. Asrequired, detailed embodiments of the embodiments of the presentdisclosure are discussed herein; however, it is to be understood thatthe disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the embodiments of thedisclosure that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. Thefigures are not necessarily to scale and some features may beexaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components.Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed hereinare not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representativebasis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ theembodiments of the present disclosure.

The particulars shown herein are by way of example and for purposes ofillustrative discussion of the embodiments of the present disclosureonly and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to bethe most useful and readily understood description of the principles andconceptual aspects of the present disclosure. In this regard, no attemptis made to show structural details of the present disclosure in moredetail than is necessary for the fundamental understanding of thepresent disclosure, such that the description, taken with the drawings,making apparent to those skilled in the art how the forms of the presentdisclosure may be embodied in practice.

As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include theplural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Forexample, reference to “a magnetic material” would also mean thatmixtures of one or more magnetic materials can be present unlessspecifically excluded.

Except where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities usedin the specification and claims are to be understood as being modifiedin all instances by the term “about” Accordingly, unless indicated tothe contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the specificationand claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desiredproperties sought to be obtained by embodiments of the presentdisclosure. At the very least, and not to be considered as an attempt tolimit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of theclaims, each numerical parameter should be construed in light of thenumber of significant digits and ordinary rounding conventions.

Additionally, the recitation of numerical ranges within thisspecification is considered to be a disclosure of all numerical valuesand ranges within that range (unless otherwise explicitly indicated).For example, if a range is from about 1 to about 50, it is deemed toinclude, for example, 1, 7, 34, 46.1, 23.7, or any other value or rangewithin the range.

As used herein, the indefinite article “a” indicates one as well as morethan one and does not necessarily limit its referent noun to thesingular.

As used herein, the terms “about” and “approximately” indicate that theamount or value in question may be the specific value designated or someother value in its neighborhood. Generally, the terms “about” and“approximately” denoting a certain value is intended to denote a rangewithin ±5% of the value. As one example, the phrase “about 100” denotesa range of 100±5, i.e. the range from 95 to 105. Generally, when theterms “about” and “approximately” are used, it can be expected thatsimilar results or effects according to the disclosure can be obtainedwithin a range of ±5% of the indicated value.

As used herein, the term “and/or” indicates that either all or only oneof the elements of said group may be present. For example, “A and/or B”shall mean “only A, or only B, or both A and B”. In the case of “onlyA”, the term also covers the possibility that B is absent, i.e. “only A,but not B”.

The term “substantially parallel” refers to deviating less than 20° fromparallel alignment and the term “substantially perpendicular” refers todeviating less than 20° from perpendicular alignment. The term“parallel” refers to deviating less than 5° from mathematically exactparallel alignment. Similarly “perpendicular” refers to deviating lessthan 5° from mathematically exact perpendicular alignment.

The term “at least partially” is intended to denote that the followingproperty is fulfilled to a certain extent or completely. The terms“substantially” and “essentially” are used to denote that the followingfeature, property or parameter is either completely (entirely) realizedor satisfied or to a major degree that does not adversely affect theintended result.

The term “comprising” as used herein is intended to be non-exclusive andopen-ended. Thus, for instance a composition comprising a compound A mayinclude other compounds besides A. However, the term “comprising” alsocovers the more restrictive meanings of “consisting essentially of” and“consisting of”, so that for instance “a composition comprising acompound A” may also (essentially) consist of the compound A.

The various embodiments disclosed herein can be used separately and invarious combinations unless specifically stated to the contrary.

The gloves of the present disclosure are designed to be fully protectivein the critical areas required for live production and live event work(e.g., such as, the wrist regions, the backhand-side of the hands,knuckle areas, palms, fingers, fingertips, and region between the thumband index finger) and are also designed to allow the user to perform anyand all tasks without having to take the gloves off, ensuring the handsstay protected the entire time.

Most conventional gloves do not offer the choice between open or closedfingertips. That is, they are completely closed. Those gloves that dooffer access to the fingers are usually completely fingerless therebyleaving those exposed fingers susceptible to injury. Some work gloveshaving removable (or re-arrangeable) fingertip portions may not providecomplete covering of the finger when closed. For example, the skin isusually exposed. Furthermore, with such designs, the fabric is looserand can potentially catch and tear. Lastly, other gloves with removable(or re-arrangeable) fingertips are designed to bend and flip back (andbe out of the way) along an axis on the backhand-side and transverse tothe longitudinal axis of the finger. A problem with this design,however, is that when the glove is arranged in a finger-exposedconfiguration, the fingers that are free (i.e., not arranged in therespective fingertip portions of the glove), are exposed and completelyuncovered (and susceptible to danger) from all directions.

When doing laborious work leaving fingers exposed to injury is verydangerous, so fingerless or semi-fingerless gloves are not ideal. At thesame time gloves that do not provide a method by which to access thefingers for fine motor tasks usually forces the user to remove thegloves altogether to perform those tasks, thereby creating a potentiallyeven more dangerous situation by leaving the entire hand exposed toinjury. And other gloves that might offer removable fingertips are notdesigned in a way that keeps the fabric of the removable fingertipprotected from catching and/or tearing.

Embodiments of the present disclosure, address all of the problemsmentioned above. For example, with embodiments of the presentdisclosure, a user has the option of keeping the fingers covered (e.g.,completely within the glove) in a finger-covered orientation, orexposing one or more fingertips (including the thumb) in afinger-exposed configuration, while the gloves remain positioned on thehand. By implementing aspects of the disclosure, the user need notendure the regular cycle experienced with conventional gloves ofremoving such gloves (e.g., to allow for exposed finger tips) followedby replacing the gloves on the hands, only to again remove the gloves,and subsequently replace the gloves (in a regular inefficient cycle),and the susceptibility to injury when the gloves are removed.

Additionally, with embodiments of the present disclosure, re-arrangeable(or repositionable) fingertip coverings on the glove are configured topermit one or more of the fingertips to be exposed and articulatable in,for example, a grip-closing direction, while a backhand-side portion ofthe glove remains in place to cover the backhand side of the fingers.For example, when one or more fingers are exposed, the respectiveprotective backside portions of the glove fingertips are structured andconfigured to remain positioned above the exposed finger portions toprovide protection to the fingers from the backhand-side direction evenwhile a user may have one of more fingertips exposed. Thus, byimplementing aspects of the disclosure, the gloves offer protection forportions of the fingers even while the glove is in a finger-exposedconfiguration.

In accordance with further aspects of the disclosure, when in afinger-covered configuration, the repositionable fingertip coverings arestructured and arranged to tuck in behind (or underneath) respective“static” fingertip portions of the palm-side base material. As should beunderstood, the “static” fingertip portions remain in position (e.g.,relative to the finger) regardless of whether the glove is in afinger-exposed configuration or a finger-covered configuration. Inaccordance with aspects of the disclosure, as the repositionable (orre-arrangeable) fingertip coverings are arranged underneath respective“static” fingertip portions of the palm side base material when in thefinger-covered configuration, the repositionable (or re-arrangeable)fingertip coverings are less susceptible to catching and/or tearing. Forexample, when performing lifting or pulling actions, the glovefingertips may undergo a pulling force in a direction (e.g., opposite orcounter to) the lifting/pulling direction. With embodiments of thepresent disclosure, because ends of the repositionable fingertipcoverings are structured and arranged to tuck behind (or underneath)respective “static” fingertip portions of the palm-side base material,the repositionable fingertip coverings are less likely to snag or tear(and/or unintentionally expose the finger).

FIG. 1 is a palm-side view of an exemplary and non-limiting glove 100 ina finger-exposed configuration with a plurality of fingertips (or fingerportions) 110 exposed in accordance with aspects of the disclosure. Asshown in FIG. 1, the work glove 100 includes repositionable fingertipcoverings 115 on the first three digits (i.e., thumb, index finger andring finger) that allow the user to have access to his fingers (orfinger portions) 110 when necessary or helpful for fine motor tasks.While the exemplary embodiment includes repositionable fingertipcoverings 115 on the first three digits, it should be understood thatthe disclosure contemplates any number (e.g., one, two, three, four, orfive) of repositionable fingertip coverings may be utilized in differentembodiments. As shown in FIG. 1, in accordance with aspects of thedisclosure, when in the finger-exposed configuration, the fingertipcoverings 115 are structured and arranged to be repositioned behind arespective finger 110, in order to allow the actual fingertip to beexposed. In such a manner, implementing this aspect of the disclosureprovides the wearer the dexterity in the fingertips that may benecessary for performing fine motor tasks without having to remove thegloves from the user's hand.

As shown in FIG. 1, in embodiments, the location of the opening betweenthe fingertip covering 115 and the palm-side base material 120 isstructured and arranged just below the top knuckle of each of the threefingers. In accordance with aspects of the disclosure, this ensures thatthe wearer is able to bend the finger outward (e.g., in a grippingdirection) and utilize the finger with full dexterity andmaneuverability while still wearing the glove 100.

As shown in FIG. 1, the glove 100 include on the palm side, thepalm-side base material 120, which may be a synthetic soft leather, withother materials contemplated by the disclosure. In accordance withaspects of the disclosure, the glove 100 includes fingertip coverings(including repositionable fingertip coverings 115 and non-repositionablefingertip coverings 155) for each of the five fingertips, wherein thematerial of the repositionable fingertip coverings 115 andnon-repositionable fingertip coverings 155 is a capacitive material(e.g., a capacitive synthetic leather material), which allows the userto interface with a touch screen directly through the fabric (without aneed to remove the glove or expose the fingertips through therepositionable fingertip coverings 115).

As further shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, the glove 100may include two palm reinforcement patches 125, 130 with respective pads127 arranged thereunder so as to provide additional grip and/orprotection for the user's palms (e.g., when lifting heavy items). Inaccordance with aspects of the disclosure, in embodiments, the pads 127may be polyester-based pads. in further contemplated embodiments, thepads 127 may include a plastic material, a rubber material, and/or agel. In accordance with aspects of the disclosure, at least one palmreinforcement patch 125, 130 is provided with a rough surface to provideadded grip when holding and lifting, e.g., heavy items. In embodiments,the pads 127 may be sewn or stitched to the palm-side base material 120or may be sewn or stitched to a backside of the palm reinforcementpatches 125, 130, and the reinforcement patches 125, 130 may be sewn orstitched to the palm-side base material 120. In further contemplatedembodiments, an adhesive may be used to attach the patches 125, 130and/or pads 127 to the palm base material 120.

As further shown in FIG. 1, in embodiments, the glove 100 includes athumb crotch reinforcement patch 135 having a rough surface and arrangedin the thumb crotch (i.e., location between the thumb and pointerfinger). In embodiments, the thumb crotch reinforcement patch 135 maycomprise the same material as the palm reinforcement patches 125, 130.In embodiments, the thumb crotch reinforcement patch 135 and the palmreinforcement patches 125, 130 comprise synthetic gripping material. Infurther contemplated embodiments, different materials that are equally(or sufficiently) protective and durable could be used. For example,Kevlar could be used instead of the synthetic grip material. Inembodiments, the thumb crotch enforcement patch 135 is non-padded. Inaccordance with aspects of the disclosure, the thumb crotchreinforcement patch 135 provides additional reinforcement in an area ofthe glove 100 where much wear and tear may occur when lifting heavyitems and/or wrapping cables, for example.

As shown in FIG. 1, the glove 100 includes a wrist cuff 140, e.g., aneoprene wrist cuff, that is closeable/tightenable using an attachedclosure strap 145. In embodiments, the closure strap 145 may comprise athermoplastic rubber material. The closure strap 145 includeshook-and-loop fastener on the underside thereof (e.g., stitched and/orattached using an adhesive), which is attachable to a correspondinghook-and-loop fastener patch 150 arranged (e.g., stitched and/orattached using an adhesive) on the wrist cuff 140. In accordance withaspects of the disclosure, the closeable wrist cuff 140 and closurestrap 145 allows the wearer to adjust the fit of the glove 100 over theuser's wrist, so as to secure the glove 100 to the hand. While not shownin FIG. 1, in embodiments, the glove 100 also includes an expansionfabric arranged along an edge of the glove near the wrist cuff 140,which is structured and arranged to allow the glove to be opened widelyfor placement on a hand (or removal from a hand).

As shown in FIG. 1, one glove 100 of each pair of gloves comes with anattached clip 155 and the other of the pair of gloves (not shown)includes a complimentary loop (not shown) in order to attach the glovestogether when not in use, so as not to accidentally misplace one glove,for example. The clip 155 also allows the user to attach the gloves 100to a keychain or carabiner that may be present on a tool belt.

As additionally shown in FIG. 1, the glove 100 includes finger sidepanels 160. In embodiments, the finger side panels 160 may comprisesynthetic soft leather, with other materials contemplated by thedisclosure. In embodiments, the finger side panels 160 may comprise thesame material as the palm-side base material 120.

As partially shown in FIG. 1, the glove 100 includes a backhand-sidebase material 170. In embodiments, the backhand-side base material 180may comprise a polyester mesh that allows for moisture to evaporate outof the glove 100, e.g., during extended use. Additionally, as partiallyshown in FIG. 1, in embodiments, each fingertip includes a fingertipreinforcement material 170 arranged at the backhand-side fingertipregion of each finger. In embodiments, the fingertip reinforcementmaterial 170 may comprise the same material as the thumb crotchreinforcement patch 135 and the palm reinforcement patches 125, 130.

FIG. 2 depicts a palm-side view of an exemplary glove 100 with nofingertips exposed in accordance with aspects of the disclosure. Asshown in FIG. 2, the repositionable fingertip coverings 115 arestructured and arranged to tuck in behind the palm-side base material120 when covering the fingers (i.e., when in the closed position) so asnot to be susceptible to catching and tearing. As such, the glove 100 isstructured such that the palm-side base material 120 overlaps a portionof the repositionable fingertip covering 115 in an overlap region 205.As shown in FIG. 2, when the repositionable fingertip coverings 115 arein the closed position (i.e., not opened), the repositionable fingertipcoverings 115 naturally tuck back underneath the palm-side base material120 due to the overlap region 205. In accordance with aspects of thedisclosure, when the repositionable fingertip coverings 115 are in theclosed position none of the user's skin is exposed. Moreover, inaccordance with further aspects of the disclosure, when therepositionable fingertip coverings 115 are in the closed position thereis a substantial decrease in the possibility of the fabric on theglove's fingertip catching onto something and/or tearing.

In embodiments, the length of the overlap (in the finger extensiondirection) of the overlap region 205 is approximately 2 mm-5 mm, withother lengths contemplated by the disclosure. In one exemplary andnon-limiting embodiment, the length of the overlap (in the fingerextension direction) of the overlap region 205 is approximately 4 mm. Ifthe length of overlap is too small, then the finger will not besufficiently covered when in the closed position. On the other hand, ifthe length of overlap is too large, then it may be difficult toreposition the repositionable fingertip coverings 115 so expose thefinger.

In a work situation, the motions that are typically involved in moving,lifting, gripping and maneuvering equipment include motions where theequipment would be moving in the direction from palm to fingertip. Ifthe repositionable fingertip coverings were to be laying on top of thepalm-side base material 120, or in line with the palm-side base material120, the fingertip coverings would catch and potentially tear veryoften. By implementing aspects of the disclosure, however, the palm-sidebase material 120 overlaps a portion of the repositionable fingertipcovering 115 in an overlap region 205, ensuring the repositionablefingertip covering 115 tucks underneath the palm-side base material 120in the closed (or un-exposed) configuration, such that there is asignificantly reduced chance that the material of the repositionablefingertip covering 115 would catch and tear, which maintains the glovesintact for a longer duration.

FIG. 3 is a backhand-side view of an exemplary and non-limiting glove100 in accordance with aspects of the disclosure. As shown in FIG. 3,the glove 100 includes a backhand-side base material 180. Inembodiments, the backhand-side base material 180 may comprise apolyester mesh that allows for moisture to evaporate out of the glove100, e.g., during extended use. As shown in FIG. 3, the work gloves 100include respective repositionable fingertip coverings 115 on the firstthree digits (with only thumb repositionable fingertip covering 115shown in FIG. 3) that allow the user to have access to his fingers (orfinger portions) when necessary and/or helpful for fine motor tasks.

As further shown in FIG. 3, in embodiments, the glove 100 includes athumb crotch reinforcement patch 135 having a rough surface and arrangedin the thumb crotch (i.e., location between the thumb and pointerfinger). In accordance with aspects of the disclosure, the thumb crotchreinforcement patch 135 provides additional reinforcement in an areawhere much wear and tear may occur when lifting heavy items and/orwrapping cables, for example. As also in FIG. 3, the glove 100 includesa wrist cuff 140, e.g., a neoprene wrist cuff, which iscloseable/tightenable using the attached closure strap 145. Inembodiments, the closure strap 145 may comprise a thermoplastic rubber(TPR) material. The closure strap 145 includes hook-and-loop fastener onthe underside thereof (not shown), which is attachable to acorresponding hook-and-loop fastener patch (not shown) arranged on thewrist cuff 140. In accordance with aspects of the disclosure, thecloseable wrist cuff 140 and closure strap 145 allows the wearer toadjust the fit of the glove 100 over the user's wrist, so as to securethe glove 100 to the hand. As shown in FIG. 3, in embodiments, the glove100 also includes an expansion fabric 315 (e.g., an elastic material)arranged along an edge of the glove near the wrist cuff 140, which isstructured and arranged to allow the glove 100 to be opened widely forplacement on a hand (or removal from a hand). The closure strap 145 onthe wrist cuff 140 (e.g., neoprene) allows for a secure fit around thehand and the wrist cuff 140. The expansion fabric 315 (e.g., elasticmaterial) sewn on the ends of the wrist cuff 140 create a gusset thatallows the opening space for the hand to enter the glove 100 to be widerthan the glove itself, making it easy to put the glove 100 on and takeit off. In accordance with aspects of the disclosure, the elasticity ofthe materials of the wrist cuff 140 and/or the expansion fabric 315 areutilized to prevent tearing of the glove 100 while inserting or removingthe hand.

As shown in FIG. 3, one glove 100 of each pair of gloves comes with anattached clip 155 and the other of the pair of gloves not shown)includes a complimentary loop (not shown) in order to attach the glovestogether when not in use, so as not to accidentally misplace one glove,for example. As additionally shown in FIG. 3, the glove 100 includesfinger side panels 160. In embodiments, the finger side panels 160 maycomprise synthetic soft leather, with other materials contemplated bythe disclosure. In embodiments, the finger side panels 160 may comprisethe same material as the palm-side base material 120.

Additionally, as shown in FIG. 3, in embodiments, each fingertip portionincludes a fingertip reinforcement material 170 arranged at thebackhand-side fingertip region of each finger. In embodiments, thefingertip reinforcement material 170 may comprise the same material asthe thumb crotch reinforcement patch 135 and the palm reinforcementpatches 125, 130. In embodiments, the fingertip reinforcement material170 (which is a tougher and harder material as compared to thebackhand-side base material 180) may extend down from the tip of thefinger in an exemplary embodiment approximately 2-3 centimeters, tofurther protect the fingertips from pinching and/or crushing injuries,and/or to increase the durability of the fingertip regions of the glove100.

In accordance with further aspects of the disclosure, in embodiments,the gloves 100 include a backhand impact/abrasion protection patch 305,e.g., formed of thermoplastic rubber (TPR), on the back of the hand. Inembodiments, the backhand impact/abrasion protection patch 305 may bestitched to the backhand-side base material 180 and/or the backhandimpact/abrasion protection patch 305 may be attached to thebackhand-side base material 180 with an adhesive. As shown in FIG. 3,the backhand impact/abrasion protection patch 305 may include aplurality of ribs 320 that are structured and arranged to at leastroughly correspond with the underlying bones (e.g., knuckles) of auser's hand (when the glove 100 is on the user's hand). As also shown inFIG. 3, each respective rib 320 is segmented into rib protrusions 325,325′ and 325″, with valleys 330 there between so that the glove 100 canbe articulated more easily.

In accordance with further aspects of the disclosure, in embodiments,the gloves 100 also include finger impact/abrasion protection patches310, e.g., made of thermoplastic rubber (TPR), on each digit to provideimpact and abrasion protection for the user. In embodiments, the fingerimpact/abrasion protection patches 310 may be stitched to thebackhand-side base material 180 and/or the finger impact/abrasionprotection patches 310 may be attached to the backhand-side basematerial 180 with an adhesive. As understood by those in the productionand live event tech industry, pinching of the fingertips can be a commonoccurrence with certain equipment. As such, as shown in FIG. 3, thefinger impact/abrasion protection patches 310 are structured andarranged to extend approximately all the way to the fingertips toprotect the user's fingertips from such pinching or other potentialimpacts. As shown in FIG. 3, the finger impact/abrasion protectionpatches 310 may each include a plurality of ridge regions 335, 340, and345 (e.g., having TPR protective ridges or protrusions), which arestructured and arranged to at least roughly correspond with theunderlying bones of a user's finger (when the glove 100 is on the user'shand). The finger impact/abrasion protection patches 310 also includethinner regions 350 and 355 between plurality of ridge regions 335, 340,and 345 so that the glove 100 can be articulated more easily. Inaccordance with aspects of the disclosure, the backhand impact/abrasionprotection patch 305 and the finger impact/abrasion protection patches310 sewn (or otherwise attached) onto the back of the glove hand andfingers (as well as the wrist strap 145 on the back of the wrist cuff140) serve to protect the hand from impacts, cuts, and/or abrasions. Asdiscussed above, the shape of the backhand impact/abrasion protectionpatch 305 and the finger impact/abrasion protection patches 310 arearticulated which, in accordance with aspects of the disclosure, allowsthem to bend with the hand and fingers so as to reduce fatigue on thehand and fingers when opening and closing the glove 100.

In accordance with aspects of the disclosure, in some embodiments, thebackhand impact/abrasion protection patch 305 and the lingerimpact/abrasion protection patches 310 may be colored, (e.g., brightlycolored), and/or may include luminescence materials to enhance a user'svisibility of their hands, e.g., in low-light situations. In othercontemplated embodiments, the backhand impact/abrasion protection patch305 and the finger impact/abrasion protection patches 310 and the othermaterials of the glove 100 may be black to decrease the visibility of auser's hands, e.g., to remain “invisible” to an audience. With such aglove configuration, there is no need to use a marker (e.g., permanentmarker) to cover any brightly colored portions.

In some embodiments, the glove 100 may include an internal layer offleece inside the glove that covers the hand so as to provide warmthalong with the protective and dexterity features, for working in coldenvironments.

FIG. 4 is a side view of an exemplary and non-limiting glove 100 with aplurality of fingertips 110 exposed in accordance with aspects of thedisclosure. As shown in FIG. 4, when the fingertips 110 are out andexposed, the glove fingertip portions are still covering the back of theuser's finger with the finger impact/abrasion protection patches 310that extends approximately to the top of the glove finger. Additionally,whereas other gloves that may have removable (or repositionable)fingertip coverings are designed to fold backwards in order to fullyexpose all sides of the finger, the gloves 100 of the present disclosureare purposely designed and structured to remain positioned and cover thebackhand-side (i.e., fingernail side) of the finger when in afinger-exposed configuration. The finger impact/abrasion protectionpatches 310 covering the glove fingers, as mentioned above, extendapproximately all the way to the top of the fingertips. This structuralfeature ensures that even while the actual fingers 110 are out of theglove 100 there is still substantial protection on the backside of thefinger in the event that something shifts, moves or falls on the handwhile the wearer is working.

In accordance with aspects of the disclosure, all of the components ofthe glove may be sewn together using a thread, for example, nylonthread. With an exemplary and non-limiting assembly process, the patches(e.g., of TPR) 305, 310 may be sewn onto the backhand-side base material180 (e.g., a breathable fabric) on the back of the glove 100. One patch305 is structured and arranged to cover the back of the hand and fiveother patches 310 are structured and arranged to cover each of thefingers, respectively. The backhand-side base material 180 is sewntogether to the palm-side base material 120 (e.g., synthetic or naturalleather), which covers almost the entire palm side of the glove 100.Capacitive material used for the repositionable finger coverings 115 issewn together on three sides to cover, for example, the top third of thefingertip, while leaving a slit on the bottom to allow for repositioningof the repositionable finger coverings 115 off of or over the finger.Capacitive material used for the non-repositionable finger coverings 155is sewn together on four sides to cover, for example, the top third ofthe fingertips. A patch 135 of synthetic gripping material may also Besewn over the thumb crotch (area between the thumb and pointer fingers).The sewn together backhand side material, e.g., breathable backhand-sidematerial 180 and palm-side base material 120 (e.g., leather) are sewn atthe base of the glove to a wrist cuff 140 (e.g., a neoprene wrist cuff).The ends of the wrist cuff 140 are sewn to an elastic expansion material315 to allow for wider opening of the glove 100. A wrist strap patch 145(e.g., of TPR) is sewn to the wrist cuff 140 on the back side of theglove. One component of a hook-and-loop fastener is attached (e.g.,sewn) to the underside of the wrist strap patch 145. A loop of material(e.g., leather material) is sewn onto the lateral side of the glove 100and a hook 155 is attached onto the loop.

In accordance with aspects of the disclosure, the TPR patches may becreated using direct injection molding. For example, a TPR is injectedinto the mold and then the TPR solidifies into the shape of the mold.The solidified TPR patches are then sewn onto the materials of theglove. This process can easily be performed by a manufacturing plantwith the appropriate machinery capable of cutting, sewing, and directinjection molding.

In accordance with aspects of the disclosure, the breathable fabricmaterial of the backhand-side base material 180 serves to allow moistureto wick out, keeping the hands from becoming overly sweaty while theuser is working. The gloves 100 are designed so they do not need to beremoved. As such, the backhand side material 180 is utilized to allowfor moisture to evaporate out, which is essential to the longevity ofuse. On the palm side of the glove, the palm-side base material 120 maybe leather, which is very durable and protective for all types of work.The gripping material used for patches 125, 130, 135, and 170 helps toensure that the user can lift and carry items without worrying that theitems slip out even in wet conditions. The padding 127 (e.g., rubberfoam) placed between the patches 125 and 130 and the palm-side basematerial 120 serves to keep the palm side of the hand protected fromimpacts, pressure and/or blistering, e.g., while lifting and carrying.The capacitive fabric is used for the repositionable fingertip coverings115 and non-repositionable fingertip coverings 155 is sewn at the top ofthe fingers serve to allow the user to interface with electronics thathave a touchscreen without having to remove the gloves or expose thefingers. In such a manner, contact and interaction with a touchscreenGUI may be accomplished with the capacitive material of therepositionable fingertip coverings 115 and non-repositionable fingertipcoverings 155 arranged between the skin and the touchscreen. With thedisclosed exemplary embodiment, on the first three digits the capacitivematerial is sewn on only three sides to form the repositionablefingertip coverings 115. On the bottom end of these first three digitsis an opening is provided that allows the user to pull his fingertips ofthese first three digits out of the glove in order to use them toperform fine motor tasks that would normally not be able to be done witha glove on (e.g., as the glove might be too bulky).

With further contemplated embodiments, different materials may beinterchanged on different areas of the glove to allow for a differentexperience in using the glove and to allow for protection in differentareas, depending on the type of work being done. For example, the sizeand shapes of the TPR patches 305, 310 can be changed to allow forbetter protection in different areas, and the size and shapes of thegripping material of patches 125, 130 can be changed to cover more orless of the palm and fingers. Additionally, in embodiments, a fleecelayer may be added internally to allow the glove to be warmer in coldenvironments.

In operation, a user would open the neoprene wrist cuff 140, slidehis/her hand into the glove 100 and securely fastens the wrist cuff 140using the wrist strap 145 on the wrist cuff 140 to ensure a secure andgood fit. The user would then go about performing all the tasksnecessary without having to remove the gloves 100. If the need arises toperform fine motor tasks (such as using a small tool or pressing smallbuttons, for example) the user need only flip one or more of therepositionable fingertip coverings 115 over the fingers and expose thefingers 110 to perform these tasks. Thus, by implementing aspects of thedisclosure, there is no need to remove the gloves 100. If the user needsto interface with an electronic device with a touchscreen the user coulddo so directly through the capacitive material of the repositionablefingertip coverings 115 and non-repositionable fingertip coverings 155.The user may also choose to remove the fingertips on the first threedigits to interface with the touchscreen. Again, in accordance withaspects of the disclosure, there is no need to remove the gloves 100.Additionally, while these gloves 100 are designed specifically forprofessionals working in live production and live event industries, theycould be used by anyone in any industry (e.g., gardening industry,mechanics industry).

FIG. 5 is a schematic sectional view of a finger portion of a glove witha fingertip 110 covered in accordance with aspects of the disclosure. Asshown in FIG. 5, in the closed configuration, the fingertip 110 iscovered by the repositionable fingertip covering 115, the finger sidepanels 160, the backhand-side base material 180 and the palm sidematerial 120. As shown in FIG. 5, in embodiments, fingertipreinforcement material 170 is arranged at the backhand-side fingertipregion of each glove finger. A finger impact/abrasion protection patch310, e.g., made of thermoplastic rubber (TPR), is attached to (e.g.,sewn or glued) the backhand-side base material 180. As shown in 5, thefinger impact/abrasion protection patches 310 are structured andarranged to extend approximately all the way to the fingertips toprotect the user's fingertips from such pinching or other potentialimpacts.

As shown in FIG. 5, the repositionable fingertip coverings 115 arestructured and arranged to tuck in behind the palm-side base material120 when covering the finger (i.e., when in the closed position) so asnot to be susceptible to catching and tearing. As such, the glove 100 isstructured such that the palm-side base material 120 overlaps a portionof the repositionable fingertip covering 115 in an overlap region 205.As shown in FIG. 5, when the repositionable fingertip coverings 115 arein the closed position (i.e., not opened), the repositionable fingertipcoverings 115 naturally tuck back underneath the palm-side base material120 due to the overlap region 205. In accordance with aspects of thedisclosure, when the repositionable fingertip coverings 115 are in theclosed position none of the user's skin is exposed. Moreover, inaccordance with further aspects of the disclosure, when therepositionable fingertip coverings 115 are in the closed position thereis a substantial decrease in the possibility of the fabric on theglove's fingertip catching onto something and/or tearing.

In embodiments, the length of the overlap (in the finger extensiondirection) of the overlap region 205 is approximately 2 mm-5 mm, withother lengths contemplated by the disclosure. In one exemplary andnon-limiting embodiment, the length of the overlap (in the fingerextension direction) of the overlap region 205 is approximately 4 mm. Ifthe length of overlap is too small, then the finger will not besufficiently covered when in the closed position and the repositionablefingertip coverings 115 may not sufficiently tuck back underneath thepalm-side base material 120. On the other hand, if the length of overlapis too large, then it may be difficult to reposition the repositionablefingertip coverings 115 so expose the finger.

As shown in FIG. 5, the location of the opening 515 of therepositionable fingertip covering 115 is designed to fall just below thetop knuckle 510 of each of the three fingers. In accordance with aspectsof the disclosure, this ensures that the wearer is able to bend thefinger 110 (e.g., in a gripping direction) and make use of the fingerwith full dexterity and maneuverability while still wearing the gloves100.

FIG. 6 is a schematic sectional view of a finger portion of a glove witha fingertip exposed in accordance with aspects of the disclosure. Asshown in FIG. 6, in the open configuration, the fingertip 110 is exposedand the repositionable fingertip covering 115 (and portions of thefinger side panels 160) are moved to a backhand side of the finger 110.As shown in FIG. 6, while the glove is in an open (or exposed)configuration, the finger impact/abrasion protection patches 310 remainpositioned over the backhand side of the finger to protect the user'sfingertips from such pinching or other potential impacts. In accordancewith aspects of the disclosure, the fingertip portion is sufficientlystiff (e.g., not floppy), for example due to the stiffness of the fingerimpact/abrasion protection patches 310, so that the fingertip portionremains positioned over the finger when in the open configuration.

In accordance with aspects of the disclosure, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6,the user has the option of keeping the fingers covered or exposed withthe gloves remaining on. As shown in FIG. 5, the repositionablefingertip coverings 115 are configured to tuck in when covering thefingers so as not to be susceptible to catching and tearing. As shown inFIG. 6, when the fingers are exposed, the protective backhand-side ofthe glove fingertip still remains in place above the finger to provideprotection to the respective fingers 110 from behind (i.e., from abackhand-side direction).

As shown in FIG. 6, in accordance with aspects of the disclosure, whenin the open configuration, the repositionable fingertip coverings 115are structured and arranged to sit against the backhand-side basematerial 180 so as to not interfere with articulation of the finger 110.Moreover, due to the repositionable fingertip coverings 115 beingattached under (or inside) the palm side material 120, as shown in FIG.6, when in the open configuration, the repositionable fingertipcoverings 115 do not interfere with (e.g., prevent the movement/flexingof) the palm side material 120 when the finger is bent. As shown in FIG.6, the location of the opening 515 of the repositionable fingertipcovering 115 is designed to fall just below the top knuckle 510 of eachof the three fingers. In accordance with aspects of the disclosure, thisensures that the wearer is able to bend the finger (e.g., in a grippingdirection) and utilize the finger with full dexterity andmaneuverability while still wearing the gloves 100 with the glove in anopen configuration.

FIG. 7 is a schematic sectional view of a finger portion of a glove witha fingertip 110 exposed and bent in accordance with aspects of thedisclosure. As shown in FIG. 7, the location of the opening 515 of therepositionable fingertip covering 115 is designed to fall just below thetop knuckle 510 of each of the three fingers (in a finger extensiondirection). In accordance with aspects of the disclosure, this ensuresthat the wearer is able to bend the finger 110 inwardly (e.g., in agripping direction) as shown in FIG. 7, and make use of the finger 110with full dexterity and maneuverability while still wearing the glovewhile the glove 100 is in an open configuration.

FIG. 8 is a palm-side view of an exemplary glove 800 in a finger-coveredconfiguration with an attached illumination source 805 in accordancewith aspects of the disclosure. As shown in FIG. 8, in some embodiments,the glove 800 may include an illumination source 805 (e.g., aflashlight) attached on the palm side of the glove 800. In embodiments,the illumination source 805 may be attached to the wrist cuff 140. Inembodiments, the illumination source 805 may be releaseably attached(e.g., with hook-and-loop fastener, with a designated illuminationsource strap (not shown) or with the wrist strap 145). In furthercontemplated embodiments, the illumination source 805 may be permanentlyattached (i.e., not configured for releasable attachment) to the wristcuff 140. In other contemplated embodiments, the glove 800 may include apouch or holder on the wrist cuff 140 or the palm-side material 120 thatis configured to accommodate an illumination source 805. In accordancewith aspects of the disclosure, by arranging an illumination source onthe palm-side of the glove 800, a user is able to see what his hands aremanipulating or operating. As shown in FIG. 8 in dashed lines, in someembodiments, the glove 800 may include an illumination source 805 (e.g.,a flashlight) attached above the thumb region. In further contemplatedembodiments, the illumination source 805 and glove 800 may be configuredsuch that the illumination source 805 can be releaseably arrangeable onany of the palm-side, above the thumb, or the backhand side of the glove800.

One or more embodiments of the disclosure may be referred to herein,individually and/or collectively, by the term “invention” merely forconvenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of thisapplication to any particular invention or inventive concept. Moreover,although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, it should be appreciated that any subsequent arrangementdesigned to achieve the same or similar purpose may be substituted forthe specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover anyand all subsequent adaptations or variations of various embodiments.Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments notspecifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in theart upon reviewing the description.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is submitted with the understanding thatit will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of theclaims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description of theEmbodiments of the Disclosure, various features may be grouped togetheror described in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining thedisclosure. This disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting anintention that the claimed embodiments require more features than areexpressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claimsreflect, inventive subject matter may be directed to less than all ofthe features of any of the disclosed embodiments. Thus, the followingclaims are incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claimstanding on its own as defining separately claimed subject matter.

The above disclosed subject matter is to be considered illustrative, andnot restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover all suchmodifications, enhancements, and other embodiments which fall within thetrue spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Thus, to the maximumextent allowed by law, the scope of the present disclosure is to bedetermined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the followingclaims and their equivalents, and shall not be restricted or limited bythe foregoing detailed description.

Accordingly, the novel configuration is intended to embrace all suchalterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spiritand scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that theterm “includes” is used in either the detailed description or theclaims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to theterm “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as atransitional word in a claim.

While the disclosure refers to specific embodiments, those skilled inthe art will understand that various changes may be made and equivalentsmay be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the truespirit and scope of the embodiments of the disclosure. While exemplaryembodiments are described above, it is not intended that theseembodiments describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, thewords used in the specification are words of description rather thanlimitation, and it is understood that various changes may be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Inaddition, modifications may be made without departing from the essentialteachings of the disclosure. Furthermore, the features of variousimplementing embodiments may be combined to form further embodiments ofthe disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A glove, comprising: a palm-side base material; abackhand-side base material attached to the palm-side base material; andat least one repositionable finger covering operable to selectivelycover a finger, wherein a respective repositionable finger covering ofthe at least one repositionable finger covering is positionable in afinger-covering configuration, in which a finger is not exposed from theglove, and is positionable in a finger-exposed configuration, in whichthe finger is exposed from the glove while the glove is on a user'shand, and wherein, when in the finger-covering configuration, a portionof the respective repositionable finger covering is overlapped by thepalm-side base material such that the portion of the respectiverepositionable finger covering is arrangable underneath the palm sidebase material.
 2. The glove of claim 1, further comprising at least onenon-repositionable finger covering operable to cover a respectivefinger.
 3. The glove of claim 2, wherein the at least one repositionablefinger covering comprises three repositionable finger coverings.
 4. Theglove of claim 3, wherein the three repositionable finger coverings areconfigured for a thumb, an index (or pointing) finger, and a middlefinger.
 5. The glove of claim 3, wherein the at least onenon-repositionable finger covering comprises two non-repositionablefinger coverings.
 6. The glove of claim 2, wherein the at least onerepositionable finger covering and the at least one non-repositionablefinger covering comprise a conductive fabric.
 7. The glove of claim 1,further comprising at least one protective layer arranged on thebackhand-side base material.
 8. The glove of claim 7, wherein the atleast one protective layer arranged on the backhand-side base materialcomprises a backhand impact/abrasion protection patch having a pluralityof ribs that are structured and arranged to at least roughly correspondwith underlying bones of a user's hand.
 9. The glove of claim 7, whereinthe at least one protective layer arranged on the backhand-side basematerial comprises at least one finger impact/abrasion protection patcharranged on a finger portion of the glove.
 10. The glove of claim 1,wherein an amount of overlap of the palm-side base material over therespective repositionable finger covering is between about 2-5 mm. 11.The glove of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of finger sidepanels structured and arranged to cover side regions of respectivefingers, wherein the plurality of finger side panels are connectedbetween the palm-side base material and the backhand-side base material.12. The glove of claim 1, further comprising at least one gripping patcharranged on the palm-side base material.
 13. The glove of claim 12,wherein the at least one gripping patch arranged on the palm-side basematerial comprises two gripping patches.
 14. The glove of claim 12,further comprising a padding material, wherein the padding material isarranged between the at least one gripping patch and the palm-side basematerial, and is covered by the at least one gripping patch.
 15. Theglove of claim 1, further comprising: a wrist cuff attached to ends ofthe palm-side base material and the backhand-side base material; anexpansion material connected to respective ends of the wrist cuff; and awrist strap attached to the wrist cuff and operable to securely fastenthe wrist cuff around a user's wrist.
 16. The glove of claim 1, wherein,when in the finger-exposed configuration, the respective repositionablefinger covering is arranged between a backhand-side of the finger and aninterior surface of the back-hand side material.
 17. The glove of claim1, wherein, when in the finger-exposed configuration, the respectiverepositionable finger covering is arranged to abut the back-hand sidematerial.
 18. The glove of claim 1, wherein, when in the finger-exposedconfiguration, at least one of the respective repositionable fingercovering, the back-hand side material, and a finger impact/abrasionprotection patch arranged on a finger portion of the back-hand sidematerial are operable to maintain the finger impact/abrasion protectionpatch positioned over the respective finger so as to protect abackhand-side of the finger while in the finger-exposed configuration.19. The glove of claim 1, further comprising an illumination sourcearranged on a palm-side of the glove.
 20. A glove, comprising: apalm-side base material; a backhand-side base material attached to thepalm-side base material; and three repositionable finger coveringsoperable to selectively cover three respective fingers, twonon-repositionable finger coverings operable to cover another two of therespective fingers, wherein each respective repositionable fingercovering is positionable in a finger-covering configuration, in which afinger is not exposed from the glove, and is positionable in afinger-exposed configuration, in which the finger is exposed from theglove while the glove is on a user's hand, wherein the threerepositionable finger coverings and the two non-repositionable fingercovering comprise a conductive fabric, and wherein, when in thefinger-covering, configuration, a portion of the respectiverepositionable finger covering is overlapped by the palm-side basematerial such that the portion of the respective repositionable fingercovering is arrangable underneath the palm-side base material.